Five Minutes With... Zintle Ntshikila
Woolworths TASTE|October 2017

It’s been five years since the Instagram sensation – and current chef in training – started a journey that saw her lose 56 kg. Over a lunch at Bon Amis at Bloemendal, she reveals it’s all about loving the food that’ll love you back

Annette Klinger
Five Minutes With... Zintle Ntshikila

Why the love for Bon Amis?

It’s incredibly child friendly. What I love about it is that my daughters Unabanthu (9) and Afika (5) don’t get that cooped-up, edgy, cabin-fever feeling kids sometimes do in restaurants. You know, acting like you haven’t taught them any manners! So, while the food is being prepared, they can go and play outside; it’s really beautiful. Plus, it’s only about seven-and-a-half kilometres from our home, and about three kilometres from their school, so on sushi Fridays I just pick them up from school on the way here.

Did you say sushi Fridays?

I don’t want to share all my secrets, but yes. The kids love the tuna and-prawn crunch rolls. And, because I’m such a regular here, the chefs are really accommodating, making me sushi without rice when I ask. Oh, and I always have to have a glass of Bloemendal’s Waterlily Shiraz Rosé. I mean, can you think of anything better on a Friday?

It’s been five years since you changed your food lifestyle. What spurred the change?

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